Upstream Arts

For 20 years, we have been changing mindsets about ability and disability.

OUR MISSION: Upstream Arts uses the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities.

OUR VISION: We will change mindsets about ability and disability and promote more connected and engaged communities by increasing intentional opportunities for shared creative experience.

Some important news:

After two decades of incredible work together at the intersection of art, learning, and disability, Upstream Arts has announced that we are sunsetting this year. You can read more about our sunset on our website, or you can view the full press release here.

We are honored to share that, with the immense generosity of our community, we have met our needs, allowing us to sunset with dignity, tenderness, warmth, and with community care.  As part of our organizational sunsetting, and with much gratitude to our community who has helped carry this work forward from day one, we are closing our giving campaigns. 

With the greatest warmth in our hearts, we share with you that:

• We have all the resources we need to finish our work, to preserve and pass on our legacy, and to celebrate.

• We have all that we need to meet the moments that we can't yet anticipate.

• We have all that we need, because you, our dear beloved community, said YES to us.  Yes to sharing our work, yes to investing in our work, yes to being in community with us.

We hope to remember 20 years of incredible stories and celebrate the past two decades of powerful work with you as Upstream Arts lives on in each of us.

 

Mission
Upstream Arts uses the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities.

Vision

We will change mindsets about ability and disability and promote more connected and engaged communities by increasing intentional opportunities for shared creative experiences.

History

Upstream Arts was founded in 2006 by parents that witnessed first-hand the positive impact of the arts education on their son, Caleb. Caleb, who is non-verbal, was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, which affects his physical and cognitive development. Caleb’s father, a professional theatre artist and educator in the Twin Cities, exposed Caleb to theatre and dance at a young age. Caleb, who previously had few tools to communicate, began to use the physical movements, body language, and facial expressions he learned through the arts to communicate and engage with those around him. Out of this spirit and determination, Upstream Arts was born.

Learn more about us and see what we're up to at  www.upstreamarts.org